Rev. John Francis Greene, O.M.I.

Father John Greene was born in Halifax, NS on October 2, 1937, son of Frederick and Jean (nee Doyle) Greene. He is survived by his brothers, Paul (Sharon) and Lawrence of Dartmouth, NS. He is pre-deceased by his parents, brothers Donald and Robert, and sister Eleanor Greene of Halifax, NS. Fr. John was Ordained to the Priesthood in the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate on March 9, 1963, in Rome, Italy. He was elected at the General Chapter in Rome as General Councillor for Canada 1980-1986.

Fr. John Greene possessed a rich background in education, particularly religious studies, and catechetical assignments, with excellent results. He attended the following Institutions: St. Mary’s University, Halifax, NS, Ottawa University, Ottawa, ON, Holy Rosary Scholasticate, Ottawa, St. Patrick’s College, Ottawa, International Scholasticate, Rome, Italy, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA, University of Montreal, PQ, Loyola University, Chicago, IL, and Columbus University, New York, NY. He achieved the following degrees: M.A., M.Ed., M.Th., BP.H., S.T.L.-Gregorian College in Rome. He completed Biblical studies at Ecce Homo, in Jerusalem and participated in the Renewal Program for Oblates-Aix-en-Provence, France after which he served as Assistant Director of the International DeMazenod Centre. Fr. John was fluent in English, French, Italian, and Spanish. He had a keen interest in Cosmology, Inter-Religious-Dialogue, and Contemplative Prayer.

Fr. John’s Ministries include: Teacher-St. Francis Xavier High School, Edmonton, AB, St. Patrick’s College, Ottawa, ON; Pastor-St. Joseph’s Parish, Chemainus, BC, St. Mary’s, Prince George, BC, St. John’s, Lillooet, BC; Administrator-St. Augustine’s Parish, Vancouver, BC, St. Louis de Montfort Parish, Lake Cowichan, Vancouver Island, Inner City Native Ministry, Vancouver, BC. Fr. John also served as Director of Religious Education for the Separate High Schools in Edmonton and Assistant Director of Religious Education for the Diocese of Calgary. He worked with the National Office of Religious Education in writing the New Canadian Catechism. He also spent a year with the contemplative community at the Qu’appelle House of Prayer in Saskatchewan. In 2003 Fr. John moved to the Oblate Centre, Duncan, Vancouver Island. He moved to Vancouver in 2013 to serve a three-year term as Director of the Oblate Pandosy Residence.

John was a reserved, quiet, and gentle man. He was pleasant and hospitable to be with, and always receptive to those in need. His hobbies were astronomy, hiking, swimming, and gardening. He passed away on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, at Mount St. Joseph Hospital in Vancouver, BC.

Services will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at St. Augustine’s Church, 2028 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver BC as follows: Viewing and Prayers 9:30 to 10:00 am. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. Reception following in the Parish Hall. Interment: Oblate Cemetery, 7494 Mary Street, Mission BC at 1:30 pm.